Photo: Stephen Lang / Mid-Annandale FC
Cascadia coach James Nichols may have been delighted by his side’s 6-0 over Tamil Eelam in the ConIFA Cup. That win of course allowed the Pacific Northwest side, captained by James Riley, to go through to the elimination rounds on goal difference.
But in his new role as head coach of Mid-Annandale in the South of Scotland League, he has doubled that. His side, based in Lockerbie, beat Newton Stewart 12-0 with new forward Ally Barnes scoring a hat trick.
“Once he’s sharp, he’ll be unplayable,” quipped Nichols after the match.
Beyond that, the goal were well spread around with eight other players netting: Hammond, Thom, Muir, C Smith, Harley, Neil (2), Gibson and Copeland.
It could have been a lot worse as Newton Stewart bravely held out for the last fifteen minutes without conceding.
“We knew they were a young side and had a game plan to maintain pressure in the early stage of the game. The lads were disciplined and showed their quality. I’m really pleased with Ally Barnes, scoring a hat trick and adding a lot to our general play,” Nichols told Prost Amerika.
Mid-Annandale stand on four points but champions Threave Rovers lead with six after two wins in which they haven’t conceded a goal. Nichols’ side lie fifth behind four sides on maximum points including local rivals Lochmaben.
Next up for Nichols is another derby against Upper Annandale who have managed a win and a draw so far. That match takes place on Friday.
